CT imaging functions as a patient care workhorse in the radiology department, delivering clinically relevant information across a wide range of indications, from lung cancer screening and head and neck evaluations to setting disease treatment protocols and monitoring treatment response.
But the modality also supports new research and innovation, and attendees at this year's ECR meeting in Vienna can expect a dynamic program highlighting CT breakthroughs. Look for research on AI‑driven interpretation, body composition analysis, colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) oncology, the environmental impacts of contrast management and CT, lung cancer screening, spectral imaging, and photon‑counting CT (PCCT).
Another of CT's growing edges is its use to improve diagnostic precision, guide treatment decisions, and identify predictive imaging biomarkers. ECR attendees will hear research on these topics as well, including presentations that will explore how to use AI to improve diagnosis of and prognosis for central nervous system diseases and how PCCT boosts the modality's chest imaging diagnostic ability, to name a few.
We've taken a look at the program ahead of the meeting. Read on for a roundup of some of the ECR 2026 CT sessions that captured our attention. Finally, don't miss an overview of ECR CT themes from Signify Research Senior Market Analyst Sarah-Jane James.
AI and radiomics
AI for both automation and clinical interpretation will feature prominently in this year’s CT-focused abstracts.
- Exploring the AI-radiomics interface in lung cancer. RPS 105: 4 March, 8:00-9:30 CET, ACV Research Stage 6
- Improving diagnosis and prognosis through AI in CNS diseases. RPS 205, 4 March, 10:00-11:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 4
- Hot Topic: AI-driven image interventions. RPS 609: 4 March, 16:30-17:30 CET, M-Building Research Stage 1
Body composition analysis
Presenters will share research that underscores the role of CT as a metabolic and prognostic tool beyond anatomic imaging.
- What is new in sarcopenia and body composition? RPS 110: March 4, 8:00-9:30 CET, M-Building – Research Stage 2
- Recent developments in colorectal cancer imaging. RPS 1616: 6 March, 16:00-17:30 CET, M-Building Research Stage 5
- Pancreas multi-modality imaging innovation. RPS 1801: 7 March, 9:30-11:00 CET, M-Building – Research Stage 1
Colorectal and GI oncology
CT continues to play a central role in colorectal and GI cancer evaluation. Check out these sessions:
- Frontiers in colorectal cancer imaging: from diagnosis to precision therapy. RPS 101: 4 March, 8:00-9:30 CET, M-Building Research Stage 5.
- Hot Topic: prognostication. RPS 1101: 5 March, 16:30-18:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 1.
- Recent developments in colorectal cancer imaging. RPS 1616: 6 March, 16:00-17:30 CET, M-Building Research Stage 5
Contrast management and CT's environmental impact
At the meeting, attendees will also hear research about how to manage CT imaging's environmental and safety impact and how to reduce contrast dose.
- Frontiers in colorectal cancer imaging: from diagnosis to precision therapy. RPS 101: 4 March, 8:00-9:30 CET, M-Building Research Stage 5.
- Building a sustainable future for radiology. RPS 230: 4 March, 10:00-11:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 3
- Integration of advanced imaging techniques and AI in the head and neck. RPS 108: 4 March, 8:00-9:30 CET, ACV Research Stage 1
- Imaging wisely: Balancing protection, practice, and performance. RPS 1030: 5 March, 14:30-16:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 4
- Professional Challenges: Sustainability in Radiology. PC 10: 5 March, 14:30-16:00 CET, ACV Room C
Lung cancer screening
A major theme for lung cancer screening at this year's ECR meeting will be AI‑enhanced CT analysis.
- Exploring the AI-radiomics interface in lung cancer. RPS 105: 4 March, 8:00-9:30 CET, ACV Research Stage 6
- Hot Topic: AI-driven lung cancer screening. RPS 304, 4 March, 11:30-12:30 CET, ACV Research Stage 6
- Unlocking the power of photon-counting CT. RPS 513: 4 March, 15:00-16:00 CET, M- Building Research Stage 1
- Current topics in lung cancer imaging. RPS 804: 5 March, 10:00-11:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 3.
- Update on interstitial lung disease. SF 15b: 6 March, 14:00-15:30 CET, ACV M1
Musculoskeletal imaging
Check out these sessions for an overview of how CT imaging can be an effective tool for musculoskeletal assessment.
- What is new in sarcopenia and body composition? RPS 110: March 4, 8:00-9:30 CET, M-Building – Research Stage 2
- When MR substitutes CT and CT replaces MR. RPS 1210: 6 March, 8:00-9:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 5
Spectral CT, dual-energy, and PCCT
In these sessions, researchers will highlight how next‑generation CT technologies enhance the modality's diagnostic value.
- Advanced CT Imaging: PCCT, 4D CT, and metal artefacts. RPS 1710, 7 March, 8:00-9:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 3
- Photon counting CT: advances in chest imaging. RPS 404: 4 March, 13:00-14:30 CET, M-Building Research Stage 4
- From the abdomen up to the head: New emergency imaging approaches! RPS 2317: 8 March, 9:30-11:00 CET, M-Building Research Stage 5
Access the full conference program here.
From hardware to intelligence: How ECR 2026 signals CT’s trajectory
By Sarah-Jane James, senior market analyst, Signify Research
With ECR 2026 fast approaching, Signify Research has been analyzing what is likely to unfold across the exhibition floor in what is shaping up to be a defining year for radiology. With both a symbolic and literal manifestation of the theme, Rays of Knowledge, key foci at the meeting will likely be the inherent power of AI and data; education and skill-sharing in an era of workforce scarcity; visual system design; clinical workflows and user interface; and empowering early career radiologists.
From an exhibitor perspective, 2026 is likely to be the European launch of cutting-edge technology, with a prime focus on photon-counting CT (PCCT), which will heavily embody this year’s theme. GE HealthCare (GEHC) is expected to display the Photonova Spectra with its Deep Silicon technology (the system is pending 510(k) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA]), and its presence at ECR could be coupled with a prospective CE-Mark submission.
GE HealthCare will likely not be alone in its display of premarket cutting-edge technology, as we expect Neusoft to also demonstrate its NeuViz P10 PCCT. Although the system is not yet commercially available in the EU or the U.S., its RSNA debut sent a clear signal to global vendors that Chinese CT innovation is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. United Imaging also has a PCCT system commercially available in China, receiving approval on the same day as Neusoft. United Imaging is not expected to showcase this system at ECR. Although the system was not formally displayed at RSNA, United Imaging was forthcoming in discussing its capabilities, and the level of enthusiasm surrounding the technology was evident. However, the firm is likely to emphasize emerging clinical applications and performance advantages of PCCT over conventional energy-integrating detector (EID) systems to demonstrate the technology’s clinical and technical gains.
Further research into the applications of PCCT is expected to take center stage, driven by the technology’s enhanced spatial resolution and intrinsic spectral capabilities, which enable more sophisticated tissue characterization and greater diagnostic confidence. Key areas of focus will likely include advances in cardiac imaging, oncology, and other innovative clinical applications.
Aside from PCCT, we might also see the European launch of other significant new product introductions. As part of its “House of Fujifilm” concept, which shifts the focus away from a purely modality-centric showcase, Fujifilm could be demonstrating its newest introduction, the FCT iStream, a cardiac system with a 128-slice configuration. A virtual demonstration is anticipated following its initial debut at IRIA 2026, showcasing the expanded capabilities of cardiac systems in the performance segment.
United Imaging is also expected to bring its recently launched uCT SiriuX to Europe, despite not yet receiving commercial availability in the region. Featuring an ultrahigh-resolution dual-wide detector CT, the system is NMPA-approved and was showcased at WHX 2026. Both Fujifilm and United Imaging are likely to use ECR 2026 to showcase their latest CT innovations ahead of formal CE-Mark submissions for their respective systems.
With a stronger emphasis on lung cancer screening compared with other regional markets, the ECR is expected to once again be the platform to showcase mobile CT systems for lung cancer detection from a range of vendors, continuing a trend seen in previous years. While a new product introduction for lung cancer screening CT systems is likely to come only from United Imaging, the focus on AI for lung cancer screening will be prominent amongst other CT vendors.
Among other established AI offerings for lung cancer screening, Median Technologies recently received FDA 510(k) clearance for eyonis, an AI-based detection and diagnosis device for lung cancer screening. Median Technologies has also submitted its CE-Mark application and expects a response in the coming weeks, likely generating considerable excitement to share this progress at the show.
Recent studies from China have highlighted the potential of PCCT for lung cancer screening. Given Europe’s strong emphasis on this area, leading PCCT vendors are expected to position the technology as a next-generation platform for lung cancer screening, moving beyond its traditional role as a high-end research tool. As lung cancer screening programs gain momentum in established markets and expand into new regions, CT chest scan volumes are expected to rise across Europe and beyond.
Ultimately, ECR 2026 will highlight how the European radiology landscape is increasingly shaped by the convergence of advanced hardware, data-driven intelligence, and evolving clinical priorities. From the early commercialization of PCCT and the premarket debut of next-generation systems to the expanding role of AI in applications like lung cancer screening, the event is expected to serve less as a venue for incremental upgrades and more as a barometer of radiology’s trajectory over the next five years.